Training Grant Announced

Posted: Monday, 4th November, 2019

A new grant aimed at growing the number of Territory girls and women in thoroughbred racing is now open for applications, and its first ever recipient has just been announced. The $500 grant, thanks to Women in Thoroughbred Racing NT, has been awarded to Northern Territory jockey Felicia Bergstrand, a well-­‐known Top End jockey and aspiring trainer. Ms Bergstrand said the grant would help her in gaining further qualifications in the field. “I have been a jockey for over seven years now, and I’ve just got my duel licence and four horses to train so I am very excited to see where this can take me,” she said. “This grant will help pay for my certificate and training fees, and keep me competitive in a tough industry. “I am really passionate about horse racing in the Territory, and grants like this will definitely be an incentive for women and girls to further their education and keep women in the industry.” WTRNT chairperson Wendy Longuet said it was a major goal of the group to launch this grant. “This is a really exciting time for WTRNT, and something we’ve been working towards for nearly a decade so we’re thrilled to be able to offer this and hope it just keeps growing,” she said. “After the success of several high-­‐profile women jockeys, we’ve seen an uptake in female participation, but if a grant like this means one girl can afford to further her training or start a career in racing, then we want to be a part of that journey.” The next round of grant applications are now open, and applicants need to be able to explain how the $500 grant will help them navigate the industry. “This can be through training or education, and flights to interstate courses, so there really is a lot of opportunity to get this grant,” Mrs Longuet said. The next round of applications close on March 30, 2020 and can be found through the WTRNT website.